Prince George is one of the top six communities in B.C. for supporting small business in 2012.

The provincial Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour gave out the award Thursday, in conjunction with the B.C.'s Small Business Round Table.

The other winners were Kamloops, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver District, and Smithers.

According to minister responsible Pat Bell, "B.C.'s Most Small Business Friendly Community Award recognizes local policies, projects and programs that support small business."

Award evaluations are based on local measures that enhance small business competitiveness, recognize the contributions of small businesses to the community and promote climate action plans that support small business.

"Small business employs over one million people in B.C., so it's important to recognize when municipalities make it easier for small businesses to thrive in their communities," said Bell. "It was difficult to choose only one winner from each region, and I want to thank all of the communities that presented submissions."